Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "purposes" is deeply intertwined with the divine will and the overarching plan of God for creation, humanity, and individual lives. The Bible presents God's purposes as sovereign, unchangeable, and ultimately for the good of those who love Him.Divine Purpose The Bible frequently emphasizes that God's purposes are eternal and unthwartable. In Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I distinguish the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse underscores the certainty and authority of God's plans, which are not subject to human interference. Human Purpose Human beings are called to align their purposes with God's will. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This highlights the distinction between human intentions and divine purposes, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance in their decision-making processes. Purpose in Suffering The Bible also addresses the role of purpose in suffering and trials. Romans 8:28 offers reassurance: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This passage provides comfort by affirming that even in adversity, God's purposes are being fulfilled for the ultimate benefit of His people. Purpose in Redemption Central to the biblical narrative is the purpose of redemption through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:9-10 reveals, "And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This passage highlights the redemptive purpose of God, culminating in the unification of all things under Christ's lordship. Purpose in the Church The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to fulfill God's purposes on earth. Ephesians 3:10-11 states, "His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Church is thus seen as a vehicle for manifesting God's wisdom and purposes to the world. Individual Purpose Believers are encouraged to discern and pursue their individual purposes in alignment with God's will. Jeremiah 29:11 is often cited for encouragement: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." This verse reassures individuals of God's intentional and benevolent plans for their lives. Purpose and Obedience Obedience to God's commands is integral to fulfilling His purposes. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the conclusion of the matter is stated: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." This encapsulates the idea that living in accordance with God's will is central to realizing one's purpose. Purpose and Wisdom The pursuit of wisdom is closely linked to understanding and fulfilling God's purposes. Proverbs 16:4 affirms, "The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster." This suggests that wisdom involves recognizing God's sovereign purposes in all aspects of life, including the existence of evil and suffering. In summary, the biblical concept of purposes encompasses God's sovereign plans, the call for human alignment with divine will, the role of the Church, and the individual pursuit of God-given purposes. Through obedience, wisdom, and faith, believers are invited to participate in the unfolding of God's eternal purposes. Greek 5421. phrear -- a well ... Of uncertain derivation; a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), ie A cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5421.htm - 6k 2585. kapeleuo -- to make a trade of 3048. logeia -- a collection Strong's Hebrew 5144. nazar -- to dedicate, consecrate... abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (ie Apostatize)); specifically, to set apart (to sacred purposes), ie Devote ... /hebrew/5144.htm - 5k 4707. mitspeh -- watchtower 4284. machashabah -- thought, device 3537. kad -- a jar 4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device Library Purposes of God. As He Purposes to Establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the ... Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. God's Purposes in Election and Rejection of the Same Men, Such as ... Purposes of God Developed by his Providence. God's Purposes are Effects of Grace. The Established Christian Urged to Exert Himself for Purposes of ... If any Man Lusting after a Woman Purposes to Lie with Her... The Same Rule Holds with Regard to Colours God's Creatures ... God, Foreknowing the Sin of the First Man, Ordered his Own ... Thesaurus Purposes (67 Occurrences)...Purposes (67 Occurrences). Mark 7:21 For from within, out of men's hearts, their evil purposes proceed--fornication, theft, murder, adultery, (WEY). ... /p/purposes.htm - 25k Anointing (39 Occurrences) Plans (55 Occurrences) Calendar Sex (51 Occurrences) Chariot (102 Occurrences) Craft (14 Occurrences) Fire (602 Occurrences) Designs (118 Occurrences) Wake (34 Occurrences) Resources Why did God give us four Gospels? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to something as a perversion? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about steroids? | GotQuestions.org Purposes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Purposes (67 Occurrences)Mark 7:21 Romans 9:21 Romans 11:34 1 Corinthians 4:5 1 Corinthians 10:28 1 Corinthians 15:32 2 Corinthians 1:17 2 Timothy 2:20 2 Timothy 2:21 Titus 3:14 Hebrews 4:12 Revelation 10:7 Exodus 32:22 Leviticus 7:24 Deuteronomy 23:18 Deuteronomy 31:21 1 Kings 14:24 1 Kings 15:12 1 Kings 22:46 2 Kings 23:7 1 Chronicles 29:18 Esther 8:3 Job 5:12 Job 5:13 Job 17:11 Job 21:27 Job 22:28 Job 36:14 Psalms 10:7 Psalms 20:4 Psalms 33:10 Psalms 33:11 Psalms 58:2 Psalms 81:12 Psalms 106:43 Psalms 146:4 Proverbs 2:11 Proverbs 6:18 Proverbs 8:12 Proverbs 12:5 Proverbs 15:22 Proverbs 16:1 Proverbs 16:3 Proverbs 16:28 Proverbs 16:30 Proverbs 17:20 Proverbs 19:21 Proverbs 20:18 Proverbs 21:5 Proverbs 24:2 Proverbs 24:8 Isaiah 19:10 Isaiah 25:1 Isaiah 32:8 Isaiah 44:26 Isaiah 65:2 Jeremiah 3:17 Jeremiah 4:14 Jeremiah 15:11 Jeremiah 23:20 Jeremiah 30:24 Jeremiah 49:20 Jeremiah 50:45 Jeremiah 51:29 Hosea 4:14 Nahum 1:11 Zechariah 13:4 Subtopics Related Terms |